Aston Villa youngster Jordan Lyden looking to be next big Australian

Aston Villa's Jordan Lyden is looking to become the next Australian to make the breakthrough in England.

Lyden put pen to paper on a three-year deal in November and he is now looking to kick-on after international clearance was recently finalised.

The 16-year-year-old arrived at Villa from ECU Joondalup - the renowned Australian club which has previously produced Villa's own Chris Herd, Rhys Williams, Shane Lowry and Brad Jones in recent years.

Lyden, who can play in defence or midfield, is now being tipped to make the breakthrough at Villa sooner rather than later.

"Jordan is an outstanding young player," his agent Gary Williams told Sky Sports.

"He has adapted well to England, and he is delighted to have earned the long-term deal.

"He has seen the players come from Joondalup and make the grade and he only has to look at the fine example of Chris Herd already at the club if he needs any motivation.

"But he knows Villa is a great club, and part of the reason him going there was knowing that if you are good enough and prove yourself - then you will get a chance, and that is all any young player can ask."